HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-17 Town Forest Committee Minutes� • orur�
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes p
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Town Forest Committee
Date: 2024-09-17 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: Town Forest Management Session:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Tim Kirwan, Jeff Lamson, Bill Sullivan, Bill Hughes, Nancy Docktor, Christine
Lusk (remote)
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Mike Kessman (remote), DPW; Chuck Tirone and Walter Talbot (remote),
Conservation
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Nancy Docktor
Topics of Discussion:
Meeting was held in-person and by video conference
• B. Sullivan's 9/10 presentation to the Select Board on the November Town Meeting warrants
was discussed. Reviewed talking points for TM.
• New dog waste signs were ordered by DPW.
• Discussed recently completed Phase 4 invasive plant control in Area 3 and northern trail.
Black swallow -wort noted by the new Lot 5 entrance.
• DPW is preparing the RDA for Phase 4 of the dead tree removal program. The plan is to get
on Conservation calendar for October to present forest cutting plan.
• Reports of repeated damage to a beaver dam in the TF was noted. Determined area is
under Conservation Commission jurisdiction so referred to Administrator C. Tirone.
• Reports of vandalism around stone fireplace with evidence of a fire and empty bottles noted.
• Reviewed and voted unanimously to support Article 14 on November TM warrant to transfer
Lot 5 from the Town to Conservation to protect the land in perpetuity under Article 97.
• Committee voted unanimously to approve the wording of a new sign to be constructed at the
Lot 5 entrance. Thanks to C. Tirone and DPW for coordinating the installation of the sign.
• Discussed how to direct visitors from Lot 5 into forest. It was noted that Trails laid branches
across the gas line as a guide.
• Erosion noted on easement on Lot 5. The logs will be left in place for now.
• New Residents Open House is scheduled for October 22. TFC table will be near Trails and
Conservation. TFC is still down one member position so perhaps can recruit someone there.
• Discussed forwarding meeting minutes to chairs of Trails and Conservation as per
discussion from Summit. Agreed to cc chairs when sending minutes to Town Hall.
• Discussed coordination with schools on Arbor Day and sapling distribution.
• Committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes for the 8/13/24 meeting.
• Next meeting was scheduled for 10/15/24.
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